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Johnston Economic Development Corporation
Our mission is to foster economic growth and opportunity in the Johnston community and in the Greater Des Moines region.

Featured Property

6600 Merle Hay Road

NAI Optimum is offering a multi-tenant industrial warehouse is for lease at 6600 Merle Hay Road in Johnston. Up to 183,000 square feet is available at a $6.50 rate which includes utilities and expenses for normal warehouse use. The current adjacent business is Johnson Brother of Iowa, Inc.

Broadband connectivity is important to future development in the Johnston Community. It is vital to offer quality internet service to those interested in opening a business in the community. Please take a moment to provide us with feedback regarding your current satisfaction with your internet connectivity.

Michael Ralston is President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Iowa’s oldest and largest statewide business organization. ABI works to improve Iowa by making Iowa businesses more successful.

Mike is a former state tax commissioner and has background in corporate taxation, public policy, and management. He is a former mayor and congressional staffer and he holds a degree from the University of Northern Iowa, which recognized him as an Outstanding Alumnus in 1992.

The Johnston City Council has approved a zoning change that will facilitate a new housing development on NW 62nd Ave. east of Merle Hay Road.

The rezoning changes the property from R-1(75), Single Family Residential Zoning District, to R-1(60), Single Family Residential with restrictions. The property address for the area is 5100 NW 62nd Avenue.

During the review process consideration was given to concerns about the initial plans to include two roadway access points from the development to NW 62nd Avenue. While the exact platting was not the subject of the Council’s action – the developer advanced a plat concept that would address those concerns. The third and final reading of the zoning change was approved at the Council meeting on February 20, 2018

During a special election on Tuesday, March 6, Polk County residents will vote on a countywide referendum for a one-cent local option sales tax. Johnston could receive $2.5 million annually if it passes. Not less than 50 percent to be allocated for property tax relief, applied first to reduce the debt service levy before being applied to other levies and not more than 50 percent for capital improvement and quality of life projects. City staff will provide details on how these potential revenues would be used.

There are many reasons to locate and grow a business in the City of Johnston. We’ve highlighted a few in the February 16 issue of the Business Record (see page 15). From an outstanding workforce to prime commercial real estate locations, Johnston is an ideal city to plant your roots and grow! To make the City even more attractive new upscale urban living options are now available in our suburban setting.

The Right Workforce
83% of employed residents with higher education
More than half with undergraduate or post graduate degrees.

Maj. Gen. Tim Orr, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, spoke to a joint session of the Iowa House and Senate to provide his Annual condition of the Iowa National Guard speech on January 11, 2018.

The City of Johnston has joined other Polk County communities requesting a special election for a Local Option Sales and Service Tax. On December 18th the Johnston City Council approved Resolution 17-376 establishing the ballot language for the March 6, 2018 special election on the Local Option Sales and Service Tax. Other Polk County communities that have also approved petitions to conduct an election include Ankeny, Clive, Des Moines, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale and West Des Moines.

The Johnston City Council approved the Merle Hay Road Town Center Master Plan and Design Guidelines and incorporated them into the Johnston 2030 Comprehensive Plan, including the amended language related to stormwater management facilities.

The Annual Development Summary of the City of Johnston Community Development Department’s activities offers a summary of the development that occurred in 2017, and identifies trends we might expect into 2018 and beyond. Below are a few highlights from the report.

In 2017, $99,184,725 in total new valuation was permitted in the City of Johnston.

In 2017 the City of Johnston issued 14 new commercial permits with a valuation of $27,881,704 and 20 commercial remodel permits with an investment of $2,759,411. This ranks as the fifth best year!

Single family permit issuance in the City of Johnston in 2017 was down, but there were 155 new lots platted in 2017. This is more lots than any year since 2007! Single family residential should be strong in 2018!